Saraya-Jade Bevis, a champion wrestler, has lived a life marked by both triumph and tribulation. Her memoir, "Hell in Boots: Clawing My Way Through Nine Lives," recounts her experiences, including a period of personal crisis at age 25 when a sex tape featuring Bevis in a threesome was leaked online. During this time, she faced suspension from wrestling, struggled with alcohol addiction, and abused cocaine.
Bevis's early life in Norwich, England, was far from idyllic. Raised in a working-class family of wrestlers, ex-convicts, and individuals with alcohol dependencies, she experienced childhood sexual abuse. At 18, she signed with WWE, a major wrestling organization, and achieved success as champion wrestler Paige. However, her new life in the United States was marked by loneliness and vulnerability. She became involved with harmful relationships, excessive partying, and a neck fracture. After five years of recovery, she returned to the ring.
The 2019 film "Fighting With My Family," starring Florence Pugh as Bevis, offers a glimpse into her life. The comedy, written and directed by Stephen Merchant, focuses on her family in Norwich. Production was temporarily halted due to Bevis's struggles, with concerns about her well-being. Her memoir delves deeper into her story, balancing moments of joy and affection for her family with darker experiences.
Bevis's parents overcame their own challenges through wrestling. Her father, Patrick Frary, a former football hooligan, found wrestling after working as a bouncer. He became known as Rowdy Ricky Knight. He met Bevis's mother, Julia Hamer, a former homeless person who had struggled with drug addiction, while performing at a holiday camp. They married, achieved sobriety, and Hamer also became a wrestler. Together, they built a family business, WAW (World Association of Wrestling), which involved performances, training sessions, and merchandise sales. Bevis was named after the band Slayer, whom her mother had seen live in the 1980s.
Bevis acknowledges that "Fighting With My Family" accurately depicted her home life. Her parents, having experienced hardship, were compassionate and willing to help others. Their home was often filled with wrestlers, troubled youths, and animals in need.
During her childhood, Bevis and her brother were molested by a guest in their home. The abuse occurred over an extended period and had a lasting impact. The siblings kept the abuse secret until Bevis was 29 and living in Los Angeles. Her brother, Zak, reached out to her, leading to a long-overdue conversation about their shared trauma. Sharing their experiences helped them heal and validate each other's memories.
Bevis has not discussed the abuse with her parents, choosing to address it in her book. She does not blame them, recognizing that they were trying to help someone they trusted. She places the responsibility solely on the abuser.
Despite her family's involvement in wrestling, Bevis initially had no interest in pursuing it herself. However, at 13, she participated in a family wrestling event and discovered a passion for the sport. She describes the adrenaline rush and the ability to control the audience's emotions as an addictive experience.
Bevis disputes claims that wrestling is entirely fake. While the outcomes may be predetermined, the performers are athletes who endure physical risks and injuries. She emphasizes the storytelling aspect of wrestling and the dedication required to perform without stunt doubles.
At 18, Bevis was recruited by WWE and moved to the United States. She found the wrestling culture different from what she was accustomed to. Initially, female wrestlers were often expected to conform to certain physical standards and engage in stereotypical "catfights." Bevis felt out of place among the other wrestlers. She also experienced loneliness, leading to a relationship with an older wrestler.
Bevis reflects negatively on her
